[Taxacom] Employment Opportunity: AIBS Public Affairs Associate

[Robert Gropp]

http://www.aibs.org/classifieds/aibs_positions_available.html#8005

Public Affairs Associate - AIBS Headquarters, Washington, DC
12/03/08

The American Institute of Biological Sciences (AIBS), a 501(c)(3) 
nonprofit scientific association with individual and organizational 
members, seeks a Public Affairs Associate to join its energetic 
Public Policy Office. The successful applicant will work to develop 
and help advance science policy and media relations initiatives. 
Responsibilities will include working on legislative and regulatory 
policy issues, writing policy analyses for online and print 
publications, developing materials for policy and news briefings, 
helping to develop and implement the Public Policy Office's policy 
advocacy/communications strategies, making public presentations, and 
representing AIBS in a variety of settings. Travel and occasional 
work on evenings, weekends, or holidays is required.

Duties Include:

     * Represent AIBS and its members in the public policy arena to 
promote the use of scientific information in decisions pertaining to 
scientific research, education, and applications;
     * Monitor and report on policy developments in Washington, DC;
     * Draft public policy statements, background papers, press 
releases, white papers, reports to the membership, and other materials;
     * Cultivate and maintain working relationships with members of 
the scientific, policy, and media/communications fields;
     * Work collaboratively with AIBS staff, members, and others on 
public policy and media relations issues identified by the Director 
of Public Policy;
     * Provide planning and logistical assistance for science 
policy/media briefings and advocacy events; and
     * Conduct outreach initiatives for members, including workshops 
and other training sessions.

Minimum Requirements:

    1. Excellent and demonstrable written and oral communication skills;
    2. Excellent and demonstrable science policy analysis skills;
    3. Understanding and appreciation of the scientific community, 
the nature of science, and the goals and objectives of a 
professional, membership organization such as AIBS;
    4. Reliability, attention to detail, and ability to work under 
strict time constraints;
    5. Ability to self-direct, think creatively, and anticipate work 
needs as part of a team of professionals;
    6. Ability to synthesize and accurately communicate complex 
concepts to varied audiences;
    7. Possession of common sense and good judgment with strong 
interpersonal skills and a sense of humor;
    8. A Bachelor's degree in the biological sciences, science 
policy, science communication, or journalism (or a closely related 
field). A graduate degree and prior work experience in public 
policy/affairs are highly desirable.

Compensation and Benefits:
This is a full-time position in downtown Washington, DC. Salary is 
commensurate with experience. AIBS offers a competitive benefits 
package that includes a retirement plan, health and disability 
insurance, paid annual and sick leave, and paid holidays.

To Apply:
Send a cover letter, resume, salary history and requirements, names 
and contact information of three professional references, and a 
writing sample (approx. 750 words) to publicpolicy at aibs.org or via 
fax to 202-628-1509. Application review will begin immediately and 
continue until this position is filled.